June is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

AS the country celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in June, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. urged the public to engage in early prevention measures against the disease.

According to EJACC’s Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry statistics, incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer among male aged 50 and above are high.

From 1998 to 2007, about 615 cases of prostate cancer were reported and 180 were recorded to have died of the disease.

Prostate cancer develops when the prostate cells—which are found in the pelvis, under the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding part of the urethra—mutate into cancer cells.

These cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and the bones.

Although the exact causes of prostate cancer remain unknown, the risk factors have been listed as age and family history. Evidence from some studies shows that vitamin B6, selenium, vitamin E, soy foods and lycopene can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer often include difficulty in urination and erectile dysfunction.

Ronald delos Reyes, program coordinator of EJACC, pointed out that prostate cancer is preventable through screening methods, such as physical examinations and digital rectal examination, as well as through regular exercise and well-balanced diet.

For more information about prostate cancer, contact EJACC at 2546351 and look for Gina Mariquit.